By Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts
It’s a New Year and you have a lifetime of experience to offer. If you’re looking for a place to share it, AARP can help. With our broad network of organizational friends, AARP can help you find a place where you can use your skills and experience to the best of your abilities. You know what volunteering can do for others; now see what it can do for you.
At AARP, one of our most valuable assets is our members who are eager to share their life experiences and skills in their communities through volunteerism. Your experience matters – to you, to AARP, and to so many others who can benefit from it.
There are many volunteer opportunities at AARP Massachusetts. If you have some free time and are interested in getting involved, please let us know!
Volunteer opportunities include:
Advocacy – Receive emails from AARP on national and state advocacy issues, and use our tools to contact your elected officials on a wide variety of issues. Become an E-Activist at www.aarp.org/getinvolved. Or, join our First Friday calls and get the latest federal and state news and updates. Hear what’s happening right now and what you can do to make a difference. Email ma@aarp.org for call information.
Age Friendly/Livable Communities – Well-designed, livable communities make for happier, healthier residents of all ages. Support the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, an affiliate of the World Health Organization, by becoming an age-friendly ambassador, speaking with fellow residents about their interests and concerns, and advocating for the livability of your community for all.
Fraud Watch Network – Give community presentations about the AARP Fraud Watch Network, with details about identity theft, investment fraud and the latest scams.
Home Fit – Give presentations across the state about what type of home modifications are needed for people to stay in their home as they age through the HomeFit program.
AARP Driver Safety – Become a local instructor for the four-hour AARP Smart Driver course, which reminds people of the rules of the road and provides tips for safe driving.
Speakers Bureau – Lead educational presentations on a variety of social impact topics such as Caregiving, Social Security, and Living Longer/Living Smarter.
Community Events/Outreach Team – Help build AARP presence in Greater Boston or Worcester County by helping to staff AARP tables at local events; distributing materials on health and financial security to help people live their best lives. Check out www.aarp.org/ma for the latest events and to see all that AARP is up to in Massachusetts.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program – The nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service, serves low- and middle-income taxpayers with special attention to those aged 60+. Volunteers all receive training from AARP. Trainings are conducted in the fall and the season starts Feb 1st. Apply online at www.aarp.org/taxaide.
AARP Experience Corps/Generations Incorporated – Become an AARP Experience Corps volunteer with Generations Incorporated. Help mentor a child attending one of 16 public schools or after-school programs in Boston and Revere. With your time and guidance, this child could have the chance to improve his or her literacy skills. www.generationsinc.org
Email ma@aarp.org with your interest and we will contact you to follow up. We will work around your availability and schedule to find the right fit for you!
